Quick Action Saves Child at Farmington Water Park

Farmington Mo. (KFMO) - A St. Francois County child is recovering after a near-drowning at the Farmington Water Park on Monday thanks to quick action taken by lifeguards and two off-duty staff members with the St. Francois County Ambulance District.

Shortly after 8 p.m., a child was observed unresponsive in the pool and was quickly removed from the water by a lifeguard. Once out of the water, off-duty emergency medical technicians Dustin Tate and John Colwell acted swiftly to save the child's life.

Colwell says it was not something he nor Tate expected to be doing, but were prepared to take action immediately.

Tate, who was at the water park with his family, adds the change from "dad mode to paramedic mode" was quick.

Colwell was complementary of the lifeguards on duty, attributing their efforts in assisting the paramedics as a major factor saving the child.

While Tate and Colwell are trained and certified in CPR, they know there may be times when extreme measures need to be taken and a trained professional might not be around. Tate stresses the importance of CPR training.

Colwell continues stating how crucial CPR is in the event of an emergency.

The child was transported by helicopter to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital for further medical treatment and was later released. Tate expressed his thankfulness that everyone executed what they needed to in order to save a life.

Officials say no additional information will be released out of respect for the privacy of the child and the child's family.